We found about Hotel Gasthof Ochsen through our Eyewitness German Guide. The place seemed like the perfect German Gasthof and in many aspects it was until we decided to eat there. The portions were of a great size and the food was prepared nicely and the atmosphere of being in a building built in 1623 was unique in its own.

The trouble started however when the bill came. Firstly, being American tourists the waiter believed that we could not speak German. From the start this was fine even when ordering we did not mind, however she failed to realize we could understand her. So when the time came about to pay for the bill I asked if we could pay with a credit card (in english). She said yes, but then a coworker in German quickly told her to make up a rule requiring a high minimum so that we would have to pay more. I.E we must place at least 50 Euros on the card while our bill was only 43 Euros.

This was a cheap, untrustworthy move in my opinion. I was shocked when I heard a coworker encouraging another to blatantly lie! It is also against Visa's rules to require a minimum. Well so we left paying in cash, but at the same time we left with an impression that staff are rude and untrustworthy. I guess these tactics must have been part of the 1623 atmosphere!

In the end save yourself the money, trouble and hassle and eat anywhere else in Mannheim or Freundheim.